JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Two people are facing felony drug trafficking charges after Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office detectives intercepted a kilogram of cocaine hidden inside a secret compartment in their vehicle before it could be sold, authorities said.
The arrests followed a long-term investigation by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit’s Major Case Section into 38-year-old Harry Cruz-Gonzalez and 34-year-old Maria Pena-Rosario.
According to investigators, detectives received information on July 22 that the pair was traveling from Central Florida to Jacksonville with a kilogram of cocaine intended for distribution.
The following day, July 23, narcotics detectives located and stopped the couple at a hotel in Jacksonville’s Southpoint area.
During a search of their vehicle, detectives discovered approximately one kilogram of cocaine concealed inside a hidden trap compartment built into the vehicle.
Investigators also recovered more than $2,300 in cash.
Cruz-Gonzalez and Pena-Rosario were both arrested and charged with Trafficking in Cocaine.
Cruz-Gonzalez also faces additional charges of Possession of Marijuana and Resisting an Officer Without Violence.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said the investigation prevented a significant quantity of cocaine from reaching the streets.
Authorities encourage anyone with information about illegal drug activity to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit by calling 904-630-0500 or emailing Narc.Tips@jaxsheriff.org.